Encouraging Stories: Morgan Eisler '09
The Skidmore College Career Development Center believes that the principals of the Chaos Theory of Careers to be most applicable for liberal arts students in the current economic climate. In this model, career development is recognized as a dynamic system characterized by complexity, interconnectedness, and susceptibility to change.
The following is part of the CDC’s Encouraging Stories Series featuring members of the Class of 2009. During the last major economic downturn,
these individuals exhibited these characteristics as they navigated the early stages
of their own careers. Below are stories and advice in their own words.
Morgan Eisler '09 studied psychology during her time at Skidmore. She is now the founder of YESiSA LLC in Accra, Ghana.
In what ways has your career path since Skidmore been non-linear? How did your Skidmore experience inform this path?
I took time off my Junior year to find my purpose and returned to Skidmore with a renewed sense of what I wanted to do with my life - teaching! For the past 10 years I carved out a career in education and international development. I studied abroad in Paris for my last semester at Skidmore, moved back to D.C. to begin a career in education, then moved to Ghana in 2013 to start a career in international development. Now I approach a new horizon by founding a company in sustainable fashion and giving work as a solution to overcoming economic inequities. It is not something I had all planned out, but I followed my intuition and it's become much more clear that I am doing what I am supposed to do.
What kinds of knowledge or skills did you unexpectedly use to navigate a difficult economic period?
I did not go into the professional field of psychology, however, it was very helpful as an educator. Now I've realized that understanding human behavior is also really important to business as well. I keep researching and learning more from working with different people all over the world. People skills are the most important.
What insights or advice do you have for others with similar backgrounds, or pursuing a similar path?
Hustle, always be relentless in achieving your goals. Your dreams will come true, just not
always when you expect them too.